Lóng Dǎn Xiè Gān Tāng (龙胆泻肝汤, Gentian Liver-Draining Decoction) is a Chinese herbal formula from the Clear heat category, with Lóng Dǎn Cǎo as chief herb. It contains Lóng Dǎn Cǎo, Huáng Qín, Zhī Zǐ, Mù Tōng (Akebia), Chē Qián Zǐ, Zé Xiè, Shēng Dì Huáng, Dāng Guī, Chái Hú and Gān Cǎo. Actions: drains excess Fire from Liver and Gallbladder; clears Damp-Heat from Lower Jiao.
| Pinyin | Lóng Dǎn Xiè Gān Tāng (Long Dan Xie Gan Tang) |
|---|---|
| Chinese | 龙胆泻肝汤 |
| English | Gentian Liver-Draining Decoction |
| Category | Clear heat |
| Chief | Lóng Dǎn Cǎo |
| Tongue | Red, yellow greasy coat |
| Pulse | Wiry, rapid or slippery rapid |
| Cautions | Use Akebia (Mù Tōng). Never substitute Guān Mù Tōng (Aristolochia), which contains nephrotoxic, carcinogenic aristolochic acid. Contraindicated in pregnancy. Very cold and bitter: short-term use only; harms Spleen and Stomach. |
Ingredients
| Herb | Dose |
|---|---|
| Lóng Dǎn Cǎo | 6g |
| Huáng Qín | 9g |
| Zhī Zǐ | 9g |
| Mù Tōng (Akebia) | 9g |
| Chē Qián Zǐ | 9g |
| Zé Xiè | 12g |
| Shēng Dì Huáng | 9g |
| Dāng Guī | 3g |
| Chái Hú | 6g |
| Gān Cǎo | 6g |
Actions
Drains excess Fire from Liver and Gallbladder; clears Damp-Heat from Lower Jiao
Indications
Liver/GB Fire: hypochondriac pain, bitter taste, red eyes; OR Lower Jiao Damp-Heat: hot dysuria, vaginal discharge, genital itching
Test yourself
What herbs are in Lóng Dǎn Xiè Gān Tāng?
Lóng Dǎn Xiè Gān Tāng contains Lóng Dǎn Cǎo 6g, Huáng Qín 9g, Zhī Zǐ 9g, Mù Tōng (Akebia) 9g, Chē Qián Zǐ 9g, Zé Xiè 12g, Shēng Dì Huáng 9g, Dāng Guī 3g, Chái Hú 6g and Gān Cǎo 6g.
What is Lóng Dǎn Xiè Gān Tāng used for?
Liver/GB Fire: hypochondriac pain, bitter taste, red eyes; OR Lower Jiao Damp-Heat: hot dysuria, vaginal discharge, genital itching.
What are the actions of Lóng Dǎn Xiè Gān Tāng?
Drains excess Fire from Liver and Gallbladder; clears Damp-Heat from Lower Jiao.
What tongue and pulse go with Lóng Dǎn Xiè Gān Tāng?
Tongue: Red, yellow greasy coat. Pulse: Wiry, rapid or slippery rapid.
Use Lóng Dǎn Xiè Gān Tāng in a case
Shen Study cases ask you to name the pattern, then choose the formula and points, and explain why.
Practise a TCM caseShen Study is a study tool. Doses are as taught in standard formula texts; they are not prescribing advice.